New creative options for sharing
Published: June 20, 2005
One of the most appealing aspects of digital photography is the ability to instantly share your pictures with anyone around the world moments after you take them. You can use these very same pictures to create personalized photo gifts and crafts. Not only are these unique items fun and easy to make, they also let you share your pictures in memorable ways.
Not feeling very creative? No problem. The following ideas should inspire you to get your project off to a picture-perfect start.
Show off your photos on a t-shirt
With the many different iron-on paper options available today, it's easy to create a t-shirt to fit any occasion. You can find iron-on transfer paper where other computer printer supplies are sold, and the paper should work with your inkjet printer.
A few ideas for t-shirts include:
| • | A grandparent-bragging shirt featuring the grandchildren |
| • | A shirt for your family reunion identifying your part of the family tree |
| • | A team-photo shirt capturing a great season of fun |
| • | A pet shirt showing how much you love your pet |
| • | A gimmick shirt showing off a funny photo you took |
Add memories to a mug
Why drink your coffee out of plain old mugs? Many online photo services let you create photo mugs using your pictures.
Great occasions and reasons for creating photo mugs include:
| • | Feature a family picture for holiday or birthday gifts. |
| • | Display your children's pictures for yourself, your spouse, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. |
| • | Create a team picture or work memento mug to commemorate a great season or event. |
| • | Present a mug with a picture of yourself or of a shared moment to a loved one for Valentine's Day or an anniversary. |
| • | Add a photo of the first day of school to give that graduate a mug-ful of instant memories. |
Frame a photo for a special display
Show your appreciation for a special event or moment in a person's life by creating a specially framed picture. A traditionally framed picture is a timeless gift, but don't stop there.
To make a lasting impression-and a truly special gift-consider one of these ideas:
| • | Use a shadow box frame and add a special small memento for a special event picture. |
| • | Create a photo thumbnail pictures collage, and use the Windows XP Print Wizard to decorate the borders. |
| • | Create artwork of your favorite photos using the special effects available in digital photo-editing software, such as Microsoft Digital Image Pro Suite. |
| • | Have a poster-sized print made of that once-in-a-lifetime shot for your home or to add a familiar touch to a dorm room. |
Photo crafts from professional services
You can order many other photo crafts from online services or from the photo processors where you take your digital photos for professional prints:
| • | A photo mouse pad makes a great office accessory or gift for the graduate heading to college or work. |
| • | A photo apron will liven up any party or barbecue. |
| • | A custom photo deck of cards created for Card Night will make you a winner. |
| • | Your own coffee table book will impress your guests. |
Create your own special displays
Digital photo-editing software, such as Digital Image Pro Suite, offers templates that you can use to create your own photo crafts by following simple step-by-step wizards.
Some of the projects you can create include:
| • | Custom calendars: feature your photos every month of the year. |
| • | Greeting cards: nothing personalizes an occasion more than a handmade greeting card. |
| • | Invitations: use that embarrassing baby picture for your teen's birthday party or graduation invitation—they'll love you for it. |
| • | Place cards: beautiful nature photos make great place cards for special dinners or community events. |
Whether it's through an online or in-store photo service or on your own, use your pictures to create unique and memorable gifts and crafts.
Several photo services that can help you with these projects include:
You can use MSN Search to find even more services to create personalized photo gifts and crafts. Using the search term "personal photo gifts" will yield numerous Web sites offering personal photo gift and craft services and will also give you many more ideas about items you can create using your photos.
 | Scott Steinberg is a freelance author and consultant who has covered gaming for over 200 outlets ranging from CNN to the Los Angeles Times, Maxim, Playboy, Rolling Stone, TV Guide, and Wired. He's also the founder of the copywriting collective Clandestine Media.
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